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Ready, Set, Goal!

By Jill Jan, Special Operations, Total Safety

Do you remember a time when you wanted something so bad you could taste it, like that new stereo system, that new sports car, or even that promotion at work?  More often than not, when individuals set their minds to achieving something, they more than likely meet their goal and even exceed their own expectations.

For the most part, goals are fairly easy to set.  However, sometimes putting them into action is a different story altogether.  For some, implementation is a very challenging task.  And being able to tackle implementation head-on is sometimes the only way to overcome this challenge.

According to Webster’s dictionary, a goal is a specific objective you and your team must achieve, and a plan is the blueprint for achieving these goals.

Believe it or not, studies have shown that people who write down their goal(s) along with a written action plan have a 51% chance of achievement, as compared to those who don’t write down their goals, have a 43% chance of achievement.

First things first.  The first essential step is to clearly establish your goal(s).  When you know what you’re navigating toward and what you’re doing, you’ll be more motivated to do a better job.  Having this information at your fingertips will also allow you to set meaningful goals, which is a lot easier than you think.

Additionally, the importance of proper and strategic planning plays a large role in the success ratio of goal achievement.  To aid in being successful, Seeds of Success lists three important steps to goal achievement.

Step 1:  Prepare your plan outside the situation.  A purpose without a plan is as good as a dream.  Planning is a simulated exercise and requires learning from anticipated expectations.  Starting to plan right in the middle of the situation is not proper planning and defeats any purpose of planning, including the utilization of time and opportunity to make the most out of resources and ensure success.  Know what you want to achieve before planning and work out your strategy to actualize it.  After all, Noah didn’t start building the ark when he encountered the flood.

Step 2:  Make your plan fit for you.  Planning is all about knowing what’s coming and strategizing an arrangement to handle it.  It’s one thing to make a plan and it’s another thing adapting to it.  Plan because you are organized, not because it is necessary.  You know what it is you have to achieve and probably have a preliminary plan in mind of how to get there.  Remember, your plan is your guideline to achieving your goal.

Step 3:  Build on your plan.  To implement your plan, you must strive to execute it.  There is no such thing as a perfect plan.  But in doing the right thing, you can strategize a practical plan that would bring forth the expected results.  Specify the goals and roles of team members.  Communication is critical in this stage of the process.  You must ACT upon your plan:

A – Accept it as your guideline when you have thoroughly accessed its potency;

C – Commit to it and comply with it; and

T – Take significant, disciplined steps towards its implementation, get the right counsel, and build your team.

Planners know what to do; executors know what to do next.  Remember, only a fool goes into a battle without a plan.  Battles are not won by strength alone or military capability, but with strategy and careful planning.

Careful planning allows you and your team members to become more productive, ultimately resulting in more satisfied customers.

Don’t let your goals fall by the wayside.  Deeply desire the goal or resolution.  Visualize yourself achieving the goal.  Make a plan for the path you need to follow to accomplish the goal.  Commit to achieving the goal by writing down the goal.  Establish times for checking your progress in your calendar system.  And regularly review your overall progress.

Make great strides toward your goals.  Focus on how it will impact you, your team, and the entire company.  Maintain an open mind.  And continually make that stretch to complete your goals on time and with the most efficient means.  As Total Safety’s bottom line is continually increasing because you’re meeting your goals, employees become more productive, and customers become even more satisfied.  What more can you ask for?  It’s a great package all bundled into one.

Careful goal setting and planning are the keys to achieving results and to making an individual a successful leader.  Just remember, goal setting is a great tool that can turn your goals into a plan, and your plan into reality.

Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision just passes the time. Vision with action can change the world.” – Joel Barker